The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno.
I’ve been running for quite some time. The people I hang with run, my social media friends run. Oftentimes when we’re talking shop, if you’re new to running, it may sound like we’re speaking a foreign language. There are so many terms and slang words, especially when it comes to shoes. Here are just a few:
Over Pronator
Natural
Barefoot
Stability
Support
Heel drop
Trail
Black TN
Toe Nail MIA
White Prunes
There is even regional shoe and feet slang in running groups across the country, but I will get to that later 😉 What I am here to talk about now is shoes. The Neutral shoe to be specific.
Mizuno and FitFluential sent me a pair of the new Waverider 17 to try. They’re a neutral shoe, so I thought I’d start there.
Definition of Neutral
What exactly is a neutral running shoe? A neutral running shoe is one that is designed for runners that do NOT under or over pronate. Pronation occurs when the foot, during the foot strike, begins to roll inward or outward. A neutral shoe does not have built in stabilizers or support to control the foot from rolling.
There are a few things to consider before purchasing a new running shoe.
– How many miles a week to you run?
– How much do you weigh?
– What is your arch type (Flat, high or neutral)?
– Do you pronate?
The most effective way to get yourself into the best fitting shoe is to be fitted by an expert at your local running store. Many times they have a treadmill and can analyse your gait to get you in the best fitting shoe for your foot type.
The Waverider 17 Review
Now to tell you about the all new Mizuno Waverider 17. The wildly popular Waverider series was first launched in 1996. The shoe has always been designed to provide a wave like motion in your foot strike in order to provide the smoothest ride possible. Mizuno’s goal is to make every run Mezamashii.
There are some pretty big changes with the newest version Waverider 17.
The U4ic (pronounced “euphoric”) midsole is 30% lighter than its predecessor.
Mizuno has done away with the carbon rubber outsole and brought in a lighter, blown rubber which reduces its weight by almost a entire ounce.
Waverider 16 Men’s- 10.2 oz.
Waverider 17 Men’s- 9.2 oz.
Waverider 16 Women’s- 8.8 oz.
Waverider 17 Women’s- 7.8 oz.
One thing that has not changed is the toe cap and heel. The colors and look are sleek. I love the colors! I was sent Coral, with Slate Grey and Yellow accents. The 17s are also available in two other color schemes.
Mizuno claims that this shoe “disappears underfoot”, and I set out to see if I agreed. What I noticed right away about the shoe was its comfort and firm cushioning. It’s clear that this shoe is meant as a distance trainer and will not wear out quickly. The toe box left plenty of room, reducing the possibility of black and missing toe nails. It was incredibly light, in fact you could use this shoe on race day as well. Lighter than a bag of chips, and, well, “disappears underfoot” — kind of like how a bag of chips vanishes. 😉
Generally, I run in a low heel drop shoe, meaning my footfall is midfoot and I prefer a more natural shoe. I was concerned that the Waverider’s medium level heel would not give me the power and push off I love with the more natural shoes. I quickly put my doubts aside when I threw in a few sprints on my last run. These shoes are light weight, sturdy, and offer a great deal of support despite being a neutral shoe.
If you are currently a fan of the Waverider series, you are going to go mad for the new 17. If you are just starting out and have a neutral foot profile, this is a great shoe. If you are starting to increase your mileage and need a trainer that is comfortable but won’t wear out quickly, then you will like this shoe.
These shoes retail for $114.99 and will be released in early December 2013. For more information look HERE.
I received the Mizuno Wave Rider 17 as a sponsored post with FitFluential LLC and Mizuno, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am not a doctor or foot expert, these are my opinions, and as always, consult your physician before starting a new fitness plan.
